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1972 was a pretty good year for affordable coupés. It was before the fuel crisis and after a decade that saw arguably some of the finest machines hit racetracks around the world. Naturally, these advances would filter down to cars for the discerning enthusiast.
If you’re looking for an affordable classic, 1972 isn’t a bad place to begin your search. Here are five from that year that caught our eye this week
The car: 1972 Volvo P1800 ES
Price: €22,500
Location: The Netherlands
Seller’s Info: Click here
With factory air conditioning and in always-lovely “Light Blue Metallic”, this Volvo shooting brake is seeing prices begin to climb—the days of a $5,000 P1800 are quickly fading. With overdrive, fogs, and shown in great condition, this is one of the few times an attainable price matches up with style and reliability.
The car: 1972 Lancia Fulvia 1.6 Rally
Price: €19,500
Location: Inquire
Seller’s Info: Click here
Originally a 1.3, this car was upgraded to rally specification, including two 42mm Weber carburetors, close-ratio 5-speed gearbox, racing seats, roll cage, trip computer—and a recent engine overhaul to ensure the 1.6-litre unit is performing as it should. There are few sensations analogous to a planted Fulvia on a twisty road
The car:1972 Porsche 911 2.4S Targa
Price: €149,000
Location: Denmark
Seller’s Info: Click here
OK, so 149,000 euro isn’t exactly lunch money, but if you’re looking for a classic Porsche 911, it’s what the price of entry has climbed to in many parts of the world. This example is fully-restored, with an uprated engine, full mechanical overhaul, refreshed interior, and Porsche Certificate of Authenticity.
1972 was a pretty good year for affordable coupés. It was before the fuel crisis and after a decade that saw arguably some of the finest machines hit racetracks around the world. Naturally, these advances would filter down to cars for the discerning enthusiast. If you’re looking for an affordable classic, 1972 isn’t a bad place to begin your search. Here are five from that year that caught our eye this week. |
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The car: |
1972 Volvo P1800 ES |
With factory air conditioning and in always-lovely “Light Blue Metallic”, this Volvo shooting brake is seeing prices begin to climb—the days of a $5,000 P1800 are quickly fading. With overdrive, fogs, and shown in great condition, this is one of the few times an attainable price matches up with style and reliability. |
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The car: |
1972 Lancia Fulvia 1.6 Rally |
Originally a 1.3, this car was upgraded to rally specification, including two 42mm Weber carburetors, close-ratio 5-speed gearbox, racing seats, roll cage, trip computer—and a recent engine overhaul to ensure the 1.6-litre unit is performing as it should. There are few sensations analogous to a planted Fulvia on a twisty road |
![]() ![]() |
![]() ![]() |
The car: |
1972 Porsche 911 2.4S Targa |
OK, so 149,000 euro isn’t exactly lunch money, but if you’re looking for a classic Porsche 911, it’s what the price of entry has climbed to in many parts of the world. This example is fully-restored, with an uprated engine, full mechanical overhaul, refreshed interior, and Porsche Certificate of Authenticity. |
A nice Triumph GT6 would totally do it as well ! I love this car !
Here’s a good one:
http://www.leboncoin.fr/voitures/833298838.htm?ca=12_s
Yes, by idea of ‘budget’ doesn’t quite stretch to a 70’s 911. Good shout on the Audi though – spotted this one yesterday….
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C654467
Audi 100’s are a great big no no on my list . Between having all the reliability of a half dead Yugo , more rust issues than a 70’s Alfa and Porsche parts and service pricing they’re better off left to the greater fool with you looking for more enjoyable and affordable options . That is unless the idea of NOT driving your classic as well as emptying your wallet for the privilege is your idea of a good time .
” …. my MGB GT she’s a runner now .. my MGB GT ” … which is to say two thumbs up for that suggestion !
As to the rest here ? 912’s for over $160k ? Dubious on the best of days Fulvia’s ? Honestly the only two cars here even within the realms of realistic pricing are the P1800 ES and the Alfa and even they’re over valued for what they are as well as their overall long term desirability , collectibility and marketability .
Oh well … as I’ve said before when it comes to the insanity known as the Collectors Car Market [ or any other collectables market for that matter ]
The very essence of the ” Greater Fool Theory ” epitomized
And by the way ….. nothing on this list even approaches the meaning of the word ” Affordability ”
FYI ; $10k or less is ‘ affordable ‘ . Anything above that is an indulgence or an extravagance regardless of one’s income or overall net worth 😉
“Affordable” is obviously a relative term if it involves €149,000 911 Targas.
The Fulvia’s a great choice for the list. But this tarted-up example warrants some caution. Based on the serial numbers in the ad, the chassis is an S2 1,3S, but the engine type is 818.302, which is an 1.3 (either from an early S1 1,3 Coupé or an S2 berlina). A 1.6 would be type 818.540. The distributor cap is from a 1.3, not a 1.6. The carbs aren’t Webers; they’re clearly Solex. So there’s some reason to think the seller isn’t completely clear on what he’s offering. If it really does have a 1.6 engine, it’s a bargain, even with some dubious modifications; 1.6 engines are going for at least €10 these days. If the engine’s a 1.3 you could probably do better for the money.